Kidney Stone Treatments
Symptoms & Treatment of Kidney Stones In Hollywood, FL
Small, hard masses of dried mineral that form inside the kidneys or any other part of the urinary tract, kidney stones are a common condition the urologists at Masel Urology Center see on a regular basis. While smaller kidney stones can pass through your system without complication, large kidney stones can be quite painful, dangerous and even deadly if not properly treated. Read on to learn more about this common condition and how you can take action if it is affecting you.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Are you worried you may have kidney stones? Signs you will want to watch out for include:
- Severe pain, especially while urinating
- A persistent urge to urinate or urinating more than usual
- Difficulty urinating
- Pink, red or brown urine
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a foul smell
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
If you notice these or any other symptoms of kidney stones, you will want to seek help from a medical professional at Masel Urology Center right away.
What are the Risk Factors for Kidney Stones?
Unfortunately, some people are at a higher risk for kidney stones than others. If you have a family history of kidney stones, repeat urinary tract infections, digestive problems or certain medical conditions, you may be at an increased risk for kidney stones. Certain medications can put you at an increased risk as well.
How are Kidney Stones Treated?
The best treatment for kidney stones will depend on the size of the stone as well as the severity of the pain. For a small stone that is not too painful, you may be able to pass it on your own by drinking lots of water, taking pain relievers and taking medication to help you relax your muscles so the stone can pass.
Larger stones will require more extensive techniques, however. For example, your urologist may use sound waves to break up the stone or surgery to remove it completely. Be sure to talk to your doctor to find the best treatment option for you.
How Can I Prevent Kidney Stones?
Once your kidney stone has been removed, you will want to take steps to prevent more stones from forming in the future. Common preventative measures include drinking plenty of water, adjusting your diet to avoid oxalate-rich foods and foods that are high in salt, and avoiding calcium supplements. Your urologist may even give you certain medications to help prevent your body from forming additional stones.